9 distanced things to do in Toronto this week: December 7 to 13

With Toronto heading into yet another week of lockdown, now is the best time for some fun activities you can do right from home and safely outdoors.

As always, Toronto has a number of activities to enjoy in a safe manner this week to ring in the holiday season.

Here’s a list of ideas that might catch your eye as you head into the week.

Try Dairy Queen’s blizzard of the month

For December, Dairy Queen Canada has dropped its newest blizzard creation, sticking with the holiday theme. The Peppermint Hot Cocoa Blizzard is out now. Nothing says “Christmas season” like candy canes and hot chocolate. DQ has combined the two to make a sweet ice cream treat to celebrate the holidays. The Peppermint Hot Cocoa Blizzard is made with peppermint candy cane pieces, choco chunks, cocoa fudge, and whipped topping.

When: All of December
Where: Dairy Queen locations near you

Holiday Nights of Lights

This holiday season, you can visit a 2.25-km-long magical light display animated and synchronized to 30 minutes of your favourite festive tunes at the Nights of Lights. This light to music show is the first of its kind and will definitely get you into the holiday spirit in a safe manner.

When: November 20, 2020, to January 7, 2021
Where: Revel Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan

Nordstrom Santa visits

Santa’s staying safe this year by cancelling all of his Nordstrom appearances to quarantine up in the North Pole. Rather than hosting in-person meet-and-greets at Nordstrom, Santa will be zooming onto your computer screen, ready to take Christmas lists virtually. Nordstrom has released an additional note for parents, adding that Nordstrom Santas are diverse, with a range of ethnic backgrounds and body types.

When: Friday to Sunday from November 27 until December 20
Where: Online
Tickets: Can be purchased online

Build an IKEA Gingerbread house 

If you’ve ever sweat, swore, and struggled with assembling IKEA furniture, you can now add “putting together gingerbread houses” to your frustration resume. The Swedish furniture retail company has launched Gingerbread Höme, a new project for families to scream at do together, just in time for the holidays.

When: Just in time for the holidays
Where: Download the free templates online

Journey To Save Christmas

A new interactive drive-thru escape game has come to the GTA. A festive event for this Christmas season, Journey To Save Christmas welcomes guests to enjoy the event from the comfort of their own car at Square One. Those who are willing to embark on this holiday journey will face 13 Christmas rooms with riddles and games that you must solve in a limited amount of time.

When: December 3 to 27
Where: Square One – Parking Lot 5
Tickets: Online

Get your hands on a $1 Krispy Kreme donut

The iconic donut chain is offering patrons the opportunity to get a $1 Original Glazed Dozen when they purchase a full-priced dozen on December 12 at participating Canadian locations.

When: December 12
Where: Participating Krispy Kreme locations

Cadillac Fairview’s virtual Santa

Cadillac Fairview introduces several new virtual Santa experiences to keep the magic and spirit of the season alive for Canadian families. CF Storytime LIVE with Santa will take place on Facebook Live and feature 15-minute episodes in English and French that will bring families together at home. New this season is virtual visits with Santa where families can have a video chat with Santa. Parents can arrange to receive a special video call with the big man himself while he’s busy at the North Pole preparing for the holiday season. Reservations are now available.

When: November 28 to December 24
Where: Online

Check out Ryan Reynolds’ festive holiday sweater campaign

The Ryan Reynolds festive holiday sweater campaign has returned to The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). “This year, Ryan and friends have planned something bigger and brighter for patient families and the City of Toronto,” the release said. The holiday train lights that, for decades, have lit up the University Avenue face of the hospital have been replaced by a giant 20-foot replica of Ryan’s festive sweater in 5,000 LED lights. The inaugural lighting took place on December 4.

When: As of December 4
Where: Sick Kids Hospital — 555 University Avenue

Treat yourself to a KFC Cinnabon dessert

KFC Canada and Cinnabon have joined forces to unleash the ultimate dessert across Canada, its KFC Cinnabon Dessert Biscuits. The duo dropped a deliciously sweet combination of KFC’s signature buttermilk biscuit, covered in Cinnabon’s Cinnamon Brown Sugar Glaze, drizzled with its signature cream cheese frosting, and topped off with a chocolate bow tie.

When: Until they’re sold out
Where: KFC locations

Note: While local parks, some shops, and distanced events are reopened, Toronto Public Health is reminding individuals to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. If you decide to go out, maintain the six-foot physical distancing guidelines and wear a mask.